Meet the team

Economos is staffed by a passionate team of accounting and finance professionals. Our experienced and globally connected Directors oversee a team of 45 chartered accountants and certified financial advisors who are personally invested in our clients’ success.

George Shahinian

B.Com, M.Bus, CA

Managing Partner

Joined the firm: 1991

Other areas of Responsibility:

Principal Director – Econ Financial Services

George is the firm’s Managing Partner and head of the executive group in charge of the strategic direction of the business. George also manages the business services and advisory needs for a portfolio of medium and large clients across a range of key industries.

Areas of Expertise

George has extensive experience in real estate and property related industries including:

– Property Development and sub-division

– Commercial Fit-out and refurbishments

– Building and Construction and Construction Management

– Real Estate agencies.

From this George has a large network of clients and contacts in the sub-contracting space.

As the founding Head of SMSF Services and Principal Director of the firm’s wealth management division George is also well versed in offering high net wealth business owners key structuring and wealth creation advice.

Outside the Firm

George is a busy father of three boys, and an active member in his local Armenian community.

He is a keen basketball fan who is stretching his playing career (well) into his forties.

George Shahinian - More Than Accountants

B.Com, M.Bus, CA

Managing Partner

Joined the firm: 1991

Other areas of Responsibility:

Principal Director – Econ Financial Services

George is the firm’s Managing Partner and head of the executive group in charge of the strategic direction of the business. George also manages the business services and advisory needs for a portfolio of medium and large clients across a range of key industries.

Areas of Expertise

George has extensive experience in real estate and property related industries including:

– Property Development and sub-division

– Commercial Fit-out and refurbishments

– Building and Construction and Construction Management

– Real Estate agencies.

From this George has a large network of clients and contacts in the sub-contracting space.

As the founding Head of SMSF Services and Principal Director of the firm’s wealth management division George is also well versed in offering high net wealth business owners key structuring and wealth creation advice.

Outside the Firm

George is a busy father of three boys, and an active member in his local Armenian community.

He is a keen basketball fan who is stretching his playing career (well) into his forties.

George Venardos

Dip.Law FCA

Senior Partner

Joined the firm: 1980

Other areas of Responsibility:

Partner-In-Charge – Audit and Assurance,

George is one of the founding fathers of the firm who has seen the business grow from its infancy to its more recent success. George is part of the executive group who leads the firm’s strategic direction.

George joined the firm after an early career in audit and taxation consulting with one of the ‘big four’ firms.

George also manages the business services and advisory needs for a portfolio of medium and large clients across a range of key industries.

Areas of expertise

George’s long career has provided him with a range of skills from different industries including:

– Property and Development

– Professional and Medical Services

– Manufacturing

– Hospitality

– Recruitment Firms

– Design college

He utilises his legal and tax-consulting skills in areas of complex income tax and indirect tax issues like GST and Payroll Tax. He sits on a range of family advisory boards as well as offering unique services like:

– Expert Witness work at Court

– Litigation support (for issues like Death and Divorce)

Outside the Firm

George is a member of the Lakes Golf Course in Sydney and a golfing tragic. He can also be found discussing the fortunes of the Australian Test Cricket team (with anyone). More importantly George is a father of two adult children and proud grandfather of two.

Getting it Done

“I pick up the phone at every opportunity and push the right buttons to get the job done. My experience and networks help, too.”

George Venardos - Reputation

Dip.Law FCA

Senior Partner

Joined the firm: 1980

Other areas of Responsibility:

Partner-In-Charge – Audit and Assurance,

George is one of the founding fathers of the firm who has seen the business grow from its infancy to its more recent success. George is part of the executive group who leads the firm’s strategic direction.

George joined the firm after an early career in audit and taxation consulting with one of the ‘big four’ firms.

George also manages the business services and advisory needs for a portfolio of medium and large clients across a range of key industries.

Areas of expertise

George’s long career has provided him with a range of skills from different industries including:

– Property and Development

– Professional and Medical Services

– Manufacturing

– Hospitality

– Recruitment Firms

– Design college

He utilises his legal and tax-consulting skills in areas of complex income tax and indirect tax issues like GST and Payroll Tax. He sits on a range of family advisory boards as well as offering unique services like:

– Expert Witness work at Court

– Litigation support (for issues like Death and Divorce)

Outside the Firm

George is a member of the Lakes Golf Course in Sydney and a golfing tragic. He can also be found discussing the fortunes of the Australian Test Cricket team (with anyone). More importantly George is a father of two adult children and proud grandfather of two.

Getting it Done

“I pick up the phone at every opportunity and push the right buttons to get the job done. My experience and networks help, too.”

Adrian Byrne

B.Bus, CA

Partner – Business Services

Joined the firm: 2000

Other areas of Responsibility:

Contact Partner – AGN International

Chair – Best Practice Roundtable Group, Australian and New Zealand firms

Adrian is part of the executive group in charge of the strategic direction of the firm. He is a Partner in the Business Services section of the firm. He advises small to medium enterprises in all areas of compliance, financial reporting and structuring as well as direct and indirect taxation.

He has a stable of international clients who have operations in Australia. Adrian advises those international clients on their domestic obligations as well as offering outsourced and back office CFO services.

Adrian has extensive experience in the SMSF space, having managed the SMSF Services section of the firm from 2006 to 2013 before becoming the Partner-In- Charge.

Areas of Expertise

As a full Partner in Business Services his background in SMSF allows him to offer holistic solutions for small to medium enterprises. His small business areas of expertise in the firm are:

– Retail and Wholesale;

– Real Estate / Strata;

– Professional Services (Medical, Legal, Architecture);

– Childcare;

– Master Franchise.

Outside the Firm

Adrian is a father of three boys and is another of the firm’s cricket tragics. He can be found in deep conversation with fellow Partner George Venardos about the fortunes of the Australian Test Cricket team and still hopes the Selectors will one day choose a 40-year old opening batsman for the national side.

Getting It Done

“Personal organisation is critical in this game. If you’re organised, you’re halfway there”

Adrian Byrne - International Clients

B.Bus, CA

Partner – Business Services

Joined the firm: 2000

Other areas of Responsibility:

Contact Partner – AGN International

Chair – Best Practice Roundtable Group, Australian and New Zealand firms

Adrian is part of the executive group in charge of the strategic direction of the firm. He is a Partner in the Business Services section of the firm. He advises small to medium enterprises in all areas of compliance, financial reporting and structuring as well as direct and indirect taxation.

He has a stable of international clients who have operations in Australia. Adrian advises those international clients on their domestic obligations as well as offering outsourced and back office CFO services.

Adrian has extensive experience in the SMSF space, having managed the SMSF Services section of the firm from 2006 to 2013 before becoming the Partner-In- Charge.

Areas of Expertise

As a full Partner in Business Services his background in SMSF allows him to offer holistic solutions for small to medium enterprises. His small business areas of expertise in the firm are:

– Retail and Wholesale;

– Real Estate / Strata;

– Professional Services (Medical, Legal, Architecture);

– Childcare;

– Master Franchise.

Outside the Firm

Adrian is a father of three boys and is another of the firm’s cricket tragics. He can be found in deep conversation with fellow Partner George Venardos about the fortunes of the Australian Test Cricket team and still hopes the Selectors will one day choose a 40-year old opening batsman for the national side.

Getting It Done

“Personal organisation is critical in this game. If you’re organised, you’re halfway there”

Albert Lam

B.Com, M.Com, CPA

Partner – Business Services

Joined the firm: 1999

Other areas of Responsibility: Asia Pacific Liaison – International business

Albert is one of four executive Partners in charge of the strategic direction of the firm. He is a Partner in the Business Services & Advisory section of the firm. He advises small, medium and large enterprises in all areas of compliance, financial reporting as well as direct and indirect taxation.

Areas of Expertise

Albert has extensive experience in systems and reporting for large clients. Albert’s main clients in this area are:

– Migration Agents

– A leading equine veterinary practice, and

– Several leading Strata Managers / Real Estate Agents

– Large professional practices (including Legal and Recruitment)

Albert offers his client superior advisory services and thorough up-to- date management reports to help them run their complex businesses.

Albert also sits on a number of family advisory boards.

Outside the Firm

Albert is an active and popular member of his local Chinese community raising two children in the inner south-west.

His greatest disappointment is not playing in the EPL for Liverpool, but these days is content watching them on TV.

Getting It Done

I get things done by answering every phone call and getting back to everyone. All my clients are important.

Albert Lam

B.Com, M.Com, CPA

Partner – Business Services

Joined the firm: 1999

Other areas of Responsibility: Asia Pacific Liaison – International business

Albert is one of four executive Partners in charge of the strategic direction of the firm. He is a Partner in the Business Services & Advisory section of the firm. He advises small, medium and large enterprises in all areas of compliance, financial reporting as well as direct and indirect taxation.

Areas of Expertise

Albert has extensive experience in systems and reporting for large clients. Albert’s main clients in this area are:

– Migration Agents

– A leading equine veterinary practice, and

– Several leading Strata Managers / Real Estate Agents

– Large professional practices (including Legal and Recruitment)

Albert offers his client superior advisory services and thorough up-to- date management reports to help them run their complex businesses.

Albert also sits on a number of family advisory boards.

Outside the Firm

Albert is an active and popular member of his local Chinese community raising two children in the inner south-west.

His greatest disappointment is not playing in the EPL for Liverpool, but these days is content watching them on TV.

Getting It Done

I get things done by answering every phone call and getting back to everyone. All my clients are important.

Paul Pham

BCom, GradDipCom, CA, CTA

Partner Business Services

Joined the firm: 2013

Paul is a Partner in the Business Advisory Services team. He advises small to medium enterprises in all areas of compliance, financial reporting, management accounting and structuring as well as direct and indirect taxation. Paul has both Australian and NZ business advisory and tax experience having worked in public practice on both sides of the Tasman.

He is passionate about using technology to help clients do things smarter and more efficiently.

Other areas of Responsibility: Head of Trans-Tasman (Australia / New Zealand)

Areas of Expertise

His expertise in the firm are:

· Cloud based businesses

· Cloud Accounting and technology

· Virtual CFO services and back office support

· Trans-Tasman businesses

Industry Experience

· Property Development and Construction

· Mining and Exploration

· Foreign Subsidiaries and Branches

· Retail and Wholesale

· Professional Services

· Small to medium sized private companies and large private family groups

Outside the Firm

Paul recently became a Dad and enjoys spending time with his young daughter. He follows rugby and is an avid All Blacks supporter. He is a keen golfer and enjoys the outdoors.

Getting It Done

“I get things done by taking a hands on approach when dealing with client issues. I try my best to be available and engaged with all my clients ”

Paul Pham

BCom, GradDipCom, CA, CTA

Partner Business Services

Joined the firm: 2013

Paul is a Partner in the Business Advisory Services team. He advises small to medium enterprises in all areas of compliance, financial reporting, management accounting and structuring as well as direct and indirect taxation. Paul has both Australian and NZ business advisory and tax experience having worked in public practice on both sides of the Tasman.

He is passionate about using technology to help clients do things smarter and more efficiently.

Other areas of Responsibility: Head of Trans-Tasman (Australia / New Zealand)

Areas of Expertise

His expertise in the firm are:

· Cloud based businesses

· Cloud Accounting and technology

· Virtual CFO services and back office support

· Trans-Tasman businesses

Industry Experience

· Property Development and Construction

· Mining and Exploration

· Foreign Subsidiaries and Branches

· Retail and Wholesale

· Professional Services

· Small to medium sized private companies and large private family groups

Outside the Firm

Paul recently became a Dad and enjoys spending time with his young daughter. He follows rugby and is an avid All Blacks supporter. He is a keen golfer and enjoys the outdoors.

Getting It Done

“I get things done by taking a hands on approach when dealing with client issues. I try my best to be available and engaged with all my clients ”

Anthony Demetriou

Partner Business Services

Anthony started with the firm as a part time Graduate studying at university. He is now a partner in the business services & advisory team.

He advises a wide range small, medium and large businesses in all areas of direct & indirect taxation and compliance, financial reporting, structuring and restructuring.

Areas of Expertise

Anthony has extensive knowledge in both federal and state taxation, with a recent focus on dealing with complicated payroll tax issues. He has vast experience in dealing with clients across a wide range of industries. His areas of expertise include:

– Manufacturing and wholesale
– Retail and franchising
– Construction and property development
– Medical and professional services

Outside the Firm

Anthony is a huge follower of European football. In 2015 he ticked off from his bucket list the UEFA Champions League Final in Berlin. He also enjoys travelling and culture.

If he wasn’t an accountant he’d combine his passion for sport and travel by following sporting events across the globe.

Getting It Done

“I remember my earlier days at Economos and our team would be under pressure with deadlines, we’d tell each other to just do it. I still use that approach now, whether its answering the phone, responding to emails, or jumping in the car to do whatever it takes to attend to my client’s needs and resolve their issues.”

Anthony Demetriou

Partner Business Services

Joined the firm: 2003

Anthony started with the firm as a part time Graduate studying at university. He is now a partner in the business services & advisory team.

He advises a wide range small, medium and large businesses in all areas of direct & indirect taxation and compliance, financial reporting, structuring and restructuring.

Areas of Expertise

Anthony has extensive knowledge in both federal and state taxation, with a recent focus on dealing with complicated payroll tax issues. He has vast experience in dealing with clients across a wide range of industries. His areas of expertise include:

– Manufacturing and wholesale
– Retail and franchising
– Construction and property development
– Medical and professional services

Outside the Firm

Anthony is a huge follower of European football. In 2015 he ticked off from his bucket list the UEFA Champions League Final in Berlin. He also enjoys travelling and culture.

If he wasn’t an accountant he’d combine his passion for sport and travel by following sporting events across the globe.

Getting It Done

“I remember my earlier days at Economos and our team would be under pressure with deadlines, we’d tell each other to just do it. I still use that approach now, whether its answering the phone, responding to emails, or jumping in the car to do whatever it takes to attend to my client’s needs and resolve their issues.”

James Meli

Director – Taxation Advisory Services

Other areas of Responsibility: Head of Professional Development inside the firm.

James joined us as our Director of Taxation Advisory and has extensive experience at the Australian Taxation Office (as an employee in the High Net Wealth Individuals Taskforce), private practice at a specialist tax law firm and high-end tax advisory within mid-tier accounting firms.

James is a father of two young children, enjoys travelling, basketball and has a keen interest in property development and investment.

His greatest regret is being too “short” for the NBA.

Getting It Done

It’s all about adding value and utilising knowledge and experience to navigate the tax system, take advantage of particular concessions (or exemptions) and anticipating both the existence and timing of potential tax issues so that clients can make fully informed decisions and avoid nasty surprises.

James Meli

Director – Taxation Advisory Services

Joined the firm: 2016

Other areas of Responsibility: Head of Professional Development inside the firm.

James joined us as our Director of Taxation Advisory and has extensive experience at the Australian Taxation Office (as an employee in the High Net Wealth Individuals Taskforce), private practice at a specialist tax law firm and high-end tax advisory within mid-tier accounting firms.

James is a father of two young children, enjoys travelling, basketball and has a keen interest in property development and investment.

His greatest regret is being too “short” for the NBA.

Getting It Done

It’s all about adding value and utilising knowledge and experience to navigate the tax system, take advantage of particular concessions (or exemptions) and anticipating both the existence and timing of potential tax issues so that clients can make fully informed decisions and avoid nasty surprises.

Stephen Kirk

Director – Economos Mortgage Solutions

Steve is the Head of Finance and Mortgage Solutions. He has over 25 years’ experience in the financial services sector including most recently 12 years in lending & finance broking.

In addition to this he has previously held Directorships with international investment banks at Barclays & ABN Amro. His trusted relationships have been built over many years and extend across retail, institutional and business.

His strong values of trust and honesty, whilst operating with the highest level of integrity, positions Steve well to assist high net worth individuals & business clients.

No two circumstances are the same and he takes pride in working with a range of lenders and other finance providers to ensure the best possible outcome is achieved.

Stephen Kirk

Director – Economos Mortgage Solutions

Steve is the Head of Finance and Mortgage Solutions. He has over 25 years’ experience in the financial services sector including most recently 12 years in lending & finance broking.

In addition to this he has previously held Directorships with international investment banks at Barclays & ABN Amro. His trusted relationships have been built over many years and extend across retail, institutional and business.

His strong values of trust and honesty, whilst operating with the highest level of integrity, positions Steve well to assist high net worth individuals & business clients.

No two circumstances are the same and he takes pride in working with a range of lenders and other finance providers to ensure the best possible outcome is achieved.

Aylie Brutman

Director - Strata and Real Estate Services

Aylie is Director of Strata and Real Estate Services. This section is in charge of completing strata and real estate trust account audits and taxation services, as well as offering specialised accounting services to the property industry.

She has been actively involved in the Strata Community in NSW and nationally since joining the industry in 1993. Working in national agencies she broadened her skills from working in the accounting and administrative areas to focusing on training, compliance, business operations and process improvement.

Immediately prior to joining Economos, she was a software Product Manager working with over 400 agencies to ensure continuous improvement in software applications to drive business efficiencies and increase profits.

Aylie Brutman - Director - Strata and Real Estate Services

Director - Strata and Real Estate Services

Joined the firm: 2017

Aylie is Director of Strata and Real Estate Services. This section is in charge of completing strata and real estate trust account audits and taxation services, as well as offering specialised accounting services to the property industry.

She has been actively involved in the Strata Community in NSW and nationally since joining the industry in 1993. Working in national agencies she broadened her skills from working in the accounting and administrative areas to focusing on training, compliance, business operations and process improvement.

Immediately prior to joining Economos, she was a software Product Manager working with over 400 agencies to ensure continuous improvement in software applications to drive business efficiencies and increase profits.

Sam Perera

Director - ECON INSURANCE SERVICES

Sam is the Managing Director of Econ Insurance Services. Since entering the financial services industry in 2005, Sam has advised many individuals, most notably those from politics, the judiciary, academia and leaders in the medical and legal fraternity in NSW.

Sam is currently completing a Masters in Financial Planning, and holds a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning and an Advanced Diploma of Accounting.

Sam has been involved in industry regulatory reform. He has authored papers and been heavily involved in lobbying efforts on Future of Financial Advice reforms and most recently the Life Insurance Framework.

Sam has presented as an expert witness to several parliamentary committees including, most recently, the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services and has also been invited to ASIC round tables, representing industry.

Sam is a father of four and can be seen cheering on the Cronulla Sharks during the NRL season. Sam divides his summer between the beaches of Cronulla with his young family as well as the pews and bars of the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Getting It Done

“Albert Schweitzer said “the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve”. Our business and the relationships that continue to make us a success are firmly built on this premise – not for ourselves alone.”

Sam Perera

Director - ECON INSURANCE SERVICES

Joined the firm: 2017

Sam is the Managing Director of Econ Insurance Services. Since entering the financial services industry in 2005, Sam has advised many individuals, most notably those from politics, the judiciary, academia and leaders in the medical and legal fraternity in NSW.

Sam is currently completing a Masters in Financial Planning, and holds a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning and an Advanced Diploma of Accounting.

Sam has been involved in industry regulatory reform. He has authored papers and been heavily involved in lobbying efforts on Future of Financial Advice reforms and most recently the Life Insurance Framework.

Sam has presented as an expert witness to several parliamentary committees including, most recently, the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services and has also been invited to ASIC round tables, representing industry.

Sam is a father of four and can be seen cheering on the Cronulla Sharks during the NRL season. Sam divides his summer between the beaches of Cronulla with his young family as well as the pews and bars of the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Getting It Done

“Albert Schweitzer said “the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve”. Our business and the relationships that continue to make us a success are firmly built on this premise – not for ourselves alone.”